now_o to_o grapple_v withal_o and_o this_o i_o hope_v i_o have_v in_o some_o measure_n do_v in_o one_o of_o the_o former_a discourse_n ii_o nor_o indeed_o do_v i_o see_v that_o it_o be_v any_o way_n necessary_a to_o do_v more_o it_o be_v sufficient_a that_o god_n have_v declare_v what_o he_o think_v fit_a in_o this_o matter_n and_o that_o we_o do_v firm_o believe_v what_o he_o say_v concern_v it_o to_o be_v true_a though_o we_o do_v not_o perfect_o comprehend_v the_o meaning_n of_o all_o that_o he_o have_v say_v about_o it_o for_o in_o this_o and_o the_o like_a case_n i_o take_v a_o implicit_a faith_n to_o be_v very_o commendable_a that_o be_v to_o believe_v whatever_o we_o be_v sufficient_o assure_v god_n have_v reveal_v though_o we_o do_v not_o full_o understand_v his_o meaning_n in_o such_o a_o revelation_n and_o thus_o every_o man_n who_o believe_v the_o h._n scripture_n to_o be_v a_o true_o divine_a revelation_n do_v implicit_o believe_v a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o prophetical_a book_n of_o scripture_n and_o several_a obscure_a expression_n in_o those_o book_n though_o he_o do_v not_o particular_o understand_v the_o meaning_n of_o all_o the_o prediction_n and_o expression_n contain_v in_o they_o in_o like_a manner_n there_o be_v certain_o a_o great_a many_o very_a good_a christian_n who_o do_v not_o believe_v and_o comprehend_v the_o mystery_n of_o faith_n nice_o enough_o to_o approve_v themselves_o to_o a_o scholastical_a and_o magisterial_a judge_n of_o controversy_n who_o yet_o if_o they_o do_v hearty_o embrace_v the_o doctrine_n which_o be_v clear_o reveal_v in_o scripture_n and_o live_v up_o to_o the_o plain_a precept_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n will_v i_o doubt_v not_o be_v very_o well_o approve_v by_o the_o great_a and_o just_a and_o by_o the_o infallible_o infallible_a judge_n of_o the_o world_n iii_o let_v it_o be_v further_o consider_v that_o though_o neither_o the_o word_n trinity_n nor_o perhaps_o person_n in_o the_o sense_n in_o which_o it_o be_v use_v by_o divine_n when_o they_o treat_v of_o this_o mystery_n be_v any_o where_o to_o be_v meet_v with_o in_o scripture_n yet_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o three_o be_v there_o speak_v of_o by_o the_o name_n of_o father_n son_n and_o h._n ghost_n in_o who_o name_n every_o christian_n be_v baptize_v and_o to_o each_o of_o who_o the_o high_a title_n and_o property_n of_o god_n be_v in_o scripture_n attribute_v and_o these_o three_o be_v speak_v of_o with_o as_o much_o distinction_n from_o one_o another_o as_o we_o use_v to_o speak_v of_o three_o several_a person_n so_o that_o though_o the_o word_n trinity_n be_v not_o find_v in_o scripture_n yet_o these_o three_o be_v there_o express_o and_o frequent_o mention_v and_o a_o trinity_n be_v nothing_o but_o three_o of_o any_o thing_n and_o so_o likewise_o though_o the_o word_n person_n be_v not_o there_o express_o apply_v to_o father_n son_n and_o h._n ghost_n yet_o it_o will_v be_v very_o hard_a to_o find_v a_o more_o convenient_a word_n whereby_o to_o express_v the_o distinction_n of_o these_o three_o for_o which_o reason_n i_o can_v never_o yet_o see_v any_o just_a cause_n to_o quarrel_v at_o this_o term_n for_o since_o the_o h._n spirit_n of_o god_n in_o scripture_n have_v think_v fit_a in_o speak_v of_o these_o three_o to_o distinguish_v they_o from_o one_o another_o as_o we_o use_v in_o common_a speech_n to_o distinguish_v three_o several_a person_n i_o can_v see_v any_o reason_n why_o in_o the_o explication_n of_o this_o mystery_n which_o pure_o depend_v upon_o divine_a revelation_n we_o shall_v not_o speak_v of_o it_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o the_o scripture_n do_v and_o though_o the_o word_n person_n be_v now_o become_v a_o â—erm_n of_o art_n i_o see_v no_o cause_n why_o we_o shall_v decline_v it_o so_o long_o as_o we_o mean_v by_o it_o neither_o more_o nor_o less_o than_o what_o the_o scripture_n say_v in_o other_o word_n iv._o it_o deserve_v further_a to_o be_v consider_v that_o there_o have_v be_v a_o very_a ancient_a tradition_n concern_v three_o real_a difference_n or_o distinction_n in_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o these_o as_o i_o say_v before_o very_o near_o resemble_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n whence_o this_o tradition_n have_v its_o original_n be_v not_o easy_a upon_o good_a and_o certain_a ground_n to_o say_v but_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o the_o jew_n ancient_o have_v this_o notion_n and_o that_o they_o do_v distinguish_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o h._n spirit_n of_o god_n from_o he_o who_o be_v absolute_o call_v god_n and_o who_o they_o look_v upon_o as_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o all_o thing_n as_o be_v plain_a from_o philo_n judaeus_n and_o moses_n nachmanides_n 5._o and_o other_o cite_v by_o the_o learned_a grotius_n in_o his_o incomparable_a book_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o among_o the_o heathen_a plato_n who_o probable_o enough_o may_v have_v this_o notion_n from_o the_o jew_n do_v make_v three_o distinction_n in_o the_o deity_n by_o the_o name_n of_o essential_a goodness_n and_o mind_n and_o spirit_n so_o that_o whatever_o objection_n this_o matter_n may_v be_v liable_a to_o it_o be_v not_o so_o peculiar_a a_o doctrine_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o many_o have_v imagine_v though_o it_o be_v reveal_v by_o it_o with_o much_o more_o clearness_n and_o certainty_n and_o consequent_o neither_o the_o jew_n nor_o plato_n have_v any_o reason_n to_o object_n be_v to_o we_o christian_n especial_o since_o they_o pretend_v no_o other_o ground_n for_o it_o but_o either_o their_o own_o reason_n or_o a_o ancient_a tradition_n from_o their_o father_n whereas_o we_o christian_n do_v appeal_v to_o express_v divine_a revelation_n for_o what_o we_o believe_v in_o this_o matter_n and_o do_v believe_v it_o single_o upon_o that_o account_n v._o it_o be_v beside_o very_o considerable_a that_o the_o scripture_n do_v deliver_v this_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n without_o any_o manner_n of_o doubt_n or_o question_n concern_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o do_v most_o steadfast_o and_o constant_o assert_v that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n and_o in_o those_o very_a text_n in_o which_o these_o three_o difference_n be_v mention_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v express_o assert_v as_o where_o st._n john_n make_v mention_n of_o the_o father_n the_o word_n and_o the_o spirit_n the_o unity_n of_o these_o three_o be_v likewise_o affirm_v there_o be_v three_o that_o bear_v record_n in_o heaven_n the_o father_n the_o word_n and_o the_o spirit_n and_o these_o three_o be_v one._n vi_o it_o be_v yet_o further_o considerable_a that_o from_o this_o mystery_n as_o deliver_v in_o scripture_n a_o plurality_n of_o god_n can_v be_v infer_v without_o make_v the_o scripture_n gross_o to_o contradict_v itself_o which_o i_o charitable_o suppose_v the_o socinian_o will_v be_v as_o loath_a to_o admit_v as_o we_o ourselves_o be_v and_o if_o either_o council_n or_o father_n or_o schoolman_n have_v so_o explain_v this_o mystery_n as_o to_o give_v any_o just_a ground_n or_o so_o much_o as_o a_o plausible_a colour_n for_o such_o a_o inference_n let_v the_o blame_v fall_v where_o it_o be_v due_a and_o let_v it_o not_o be_v charge_v on_o the_o h._n scripture_n but_o rather_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v in_o another_o case_n let_v god_n be_v true_a and_o every_o man_n a_o liar_n viithly_fw-mi and_o last_o i_o desire_v it_o may_v be_v consider_v that_o it_o be_v not_o repugnant_a to_o reason_n to_o believe_v some_o thing_n which_o be_v incomprehensible_a by_o our_o reason_n provide_v that_o we_o have_v sufficient_a ground_n and_o reason_n for_o the_o belief_n of_o they_o especial_o if_o they_o be_v concern_v god_n who_o be_v in_o his_o nature_n incomprehensible_a and_o we_o be_v well_o assure_v that_o he_o have_v reveal_v they_o and_o therefore_o it_o ought_v not_o to_o offend_v we_o that_o these_o difference_n in_o the_o deity_n be_v incomprehensible_a by_o our_o finite_a understanding_n because_o the_o divine_a nature_n itself_o be_v so_o and_o yet_o the_o belief_n of_o that_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o religion_n there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o thing_n in_o nature_n which_o we_o can_v comprehend_v how_o they_o either_o be_v or_o can_v be_v as_o the_o continuity_n of_o matter_n that_o be_v how_o the_o part_n of_o it_o do_v hang_v so_o fast_o together_o that_o they_o be_v many_o time_n very_o hard_o to_o be_v part_v and_o yet_o we_o be_v sure_a that_o it_o be_v so_o because_o we_o see_v it_o every_o day_n so_o likewise_o how_o the_o small_a seed_n of_o thing_n contain_v the_o whole_a form_n and_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n from_o which_o they_o proceed_v and_o into_o which_o by_o degree_n they_o grow_v and_o yet_o we_o
sermon_n concern_v the_o divinity_n and_o incarnation_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n preach_v in_o the_o church_n of_o st._n laurence_n jewry_n by_o john_n late_a lord_n archbishop_n of_o canterbury_z the_o second_o edition_n london_n print_v for_o br._n aylmer_n at_o the_o three_o pigeon_n against_o the_o royal_a exchange_n in_o cornhill_n and_o w._n rogers_n at_o the_o sun_n against_o st._n dunstan_n church_n in_o fleetstreet_n mdcxcv_o a_o advertisement_n to_o the_o reader_n the_o follow_a sermon_n be_v preach_v several_a year_n ago_o in_o the_o church_n of_o st._n laurence_n jewry_n in_o london_n and_o be_v now_o revise_v and_o enlarge_v by_o the_o author_n be_v here_o make_v public_a the_o true_a reason_n whereof_o be_v not_o that_o which_o be_v common_o allege_v for_o print_v book_n the_o importunity_n of_o friend_n but_o the_o importunate_a clamour_n and_o malicious_a calumny_n of_o other_o who_o the_o author_n hearty_o pray_v god_n to_o forgive_v and_o to_o give_v they_o better_a mind_n and_o to_o grant_v that_o the_o ensue_a discourse_n the_o publication_n whereof_o be_v in_o so_o great_a a_o degree_n necessary_a may_v by_o his_o blessing_n prove_v in_o some_o measure_n useful_a sermon_n i._o concern_v the_o divinity_n of_o our_o b._n saviour_n preach_v in_o the_o church_n of_o st._n laurence_n jewry_n decemb._n 30_o 1679._o john_n i_o 14._o the_o word_n be_v make_v flesh_n and_o dwell_v among_o we_o and_o we_o behold_v his_o glory_n the_o glory_n as_o of_o the_o only_o beget_v of_o the_o father_n full_a of_o grace_n and_o truth_n these_o word_n contain_v in_o they_o three_o great_a point_n concern_v our_o b._n saviour_n the_o author_n and_o founder_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o religion_n first_o his_o incarnation_n the_o word_n be_v make_v or_o become_v flesh_n second_o his_o life_n and_o conversation_n here_o among_o we_o and_o dwell_v among_o we_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d he_o pitch_v his_o tabernacle_n among_o we_o he_o live_v here_o below_o in_o this_o world_n and_o for_o a_o time_n make_v his_o residence_n and_o abode_n with_o we_o three_o that_o in_o this_o state_n of_o his_o humiliation_n he_o give_v great_a and_o clear_a evidence_n of_o his_o divinity_n whilst_o he_o appear_v as_o a_o man_n and_o live_v among_o we_o there_o be_v great_a and_o glorious_a testimony_n give_v of_o he_o that_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o that_o in_o so_o peculiar_a a_o manner_n as_o no_o creature_n can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v and_o we_o behold_v his_o glory_n the_o glory_n as_o of_o the_o only_o beget_v of_o the_o father_n etc._n etc._n i_o shall_v begin_v with_o the_o first_o of_o these_o his_o incarnation_n as_o most_o proper_a for_o this_o solemn_a time_n which_o have_v for_o many_o age_n be_v set_v apart_o for_o the_o commemoration_n of_o the_o nativity_n and_o incarnation_n of_o our_o b._n saviour_n the_o word_n be_v make_v flesh_n that_o be_v he_o who_o be_v personal_o call_v the_o word_n and_o who_o the_o evangelist_n st._n john_n have_v so_o full_o describe_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o gospel_n he_o become_v flesh_n that_o be_v assume_v our_o nature_n and_o become_v man_n for_o so_o the_o word_n flesh_n be_v frequent_o use_v in_o scripture_n for_o man_n or_o human_a nature_n o_o thou_o that_o hear_v prayer_n 2._o unto_o thou_o shall_v all_o flesh_n come_v that_o be_v to_o thou_o shall_v all_o man_n address_v their_o supplication_n 6._o again_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v be_v reveal_v and_o all_o flesh_n shall_v see_v it_o together_o that_o be_v all_o man_n shall_v behold_v and_o acknowledge_v it_o and_o than_o it_o follow_v all_o flesh_n be_v grass_n speak_v of_o the_o frailty_n and_o mortality_n of_o man_n and_o so_o likewise_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n our_o b._n saviour_n foretell_v the_o misery_n that_o be_v come_v upon_o the_o jewish_a nation_n 22._o say_v except_o those_o day_n shall_v be_v shorten_v no_o flesh_n shall_v be_v save_v that_o be_v no_o man_n shall_v escape_v and_o survive_v that_o great_a calamity_n and_o destruction_n which_o be_v come_v upon_o they_o 16._o by_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n say_v the_o apostle_n shall_v no_o flesh_n that_o be_v no_o man_n be_v justify_v so_o that_o by_o the_o word_n be_v be_v make_v or_o become_a flesh_n the_o evangelist_n do_v not_o intend_v that_o he_o assume_v only_o a_o human_a body_n without_o a_o soul_n and_o be_v unite_v only_o to_o a_o human_a body_n which_o be_v the_o heresy_n of_o apollinaris_n and_o his_o follower_n but_o that_o he_o become_v man_n that_o be_v assume_v the_o whole_a human_a nature_n body_n and_o soul_n and_o it_o be_v likewise_o very_o probable_a that_o the_o evangelist_n do_v purposely_o choose_v the_o word_n flesh_n which_o signify_v the_o frail_a and_o mortal_a part_n of_o man_n to_o denote_v to_o we_o that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n do_v assume_v our_o nature_n with_o all_o its_o infirmity_n and_o become_v subject_a to_o the_o common_a frailty_n and_o mortality_n of_o human_a nature_n the_o word_n thus_o explain_v contain_v that_o great_a mystery_n of_o godliness_n as_o the_o apostle_n call_v it_o or_o of_o the_o christian_a religion_n viz._n the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n which_o st._n paul_n express_v by_o the_o appearance_n or_o manifestation_n of_o god_n in_o the_o flesh_n 16._o and_o without_o controversy_n great_a be_v the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n god_n be_v manifest_v in_o the_o flesh_n that_o be_v he_o appear_v in_o human_a nature_n he_o become_v man_n or_o as_o st._n john_n express_v it_o in_o the_o text_n the_o word_n be_v make_v flesh_n but_o for_o the_o more_o clear_a and_o full_a explication_n of_o these_o word_n we_o will_v consider_v these_o two_o thing_n first_o the_o person_n that_o be_v here_o speak_v of_o and_o who_o be_v say_v to_o be_v incarnate_a or_o to_o be_v make_v flesh_n namely_o the_o word_n second_o the_o mystery_n itself_o or_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o incarnation_n so_o far_o as_o the_o scripture_n have_v reveal_v and_o declare_v it_o to_o we_o i._o i._o we_o will_v consider_v the_o person_n that_o be_v here_o speak_v of_o and_o who_o be_v say_v to_o be_v incarnate_a or_o to_o be_v make_v flesh_n and_o who_o be_v so_o frequent_o in_o this_o chapter_n call_v by_o the_o name_n or_o title_n of_o the_o word_n namely_o the_o eternal_a and_o only_o beget_v son_n of_o god_n for_o so_o we_o find_v he_o describe_v in_o the_o text_n the_o word_n be_v make_v flesh_n and_o dwell_v among_o we_o and_o we_o behold_v his_o glory_n the_o glory_n as_o of_o the_o only_o beget_v of_o the_o father_n etc._n etc._n that_o be_v such_o as_o become_v so_o great_a and_o glorious_a a_o person_n as_o deserve_v the_o title_n of_o the_o only_o beget_v son_n of_o god_n for_o the_o explain_n of_o this_o name_n or_o title_n of_o the_o word_n give_v by_o st._n john_n to_o our_o b._n saviour_n we_o will_v consider_v these_o two_o thing_n first_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o name_n or_o title_n of_o the_o word_n and_o what_o probable_o may_v be_v the_o occasion_n why_o this_o evangelist_n insist_o so_o much_o upon_o it_o and_o make_v so_o frequent_a mention_n of_o it_o second_o the_o description_n itself_o which_o be_v give_v of_o he_o under_o this_o name_n or_o title_n of_o the_o word_n by_o this_o evangelist_n in_o his_o entrance_n into_o his_o history_n of_o the_o gospel_n i._o we_o will_v inquire_v into_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o name_n or_o title_n of_o the_o word_n which_o be_v here_o give_v to_o our_o b._n saviour_n by_o this_o evangelist_n and_o what_o may_v probable_o be_v the_o occasion_n why_o he_o insist_o so_o much_o upon_o it_o and_o make_v so_o frequent_a mention_n of_o it_o i_o shall_v consider_v these_o two_o thing_n distinct_o and_o several_o first_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o name_n or_o title_n of_o the_o word_n here_o give_v by_o the_o evangelist_n to_o our_o b._n saviour_n and_o he_o seem_v to_o have_v do_v it_o in_o compliance_n with_o the_o common_a way_n of_o speak_v among_o the_o jew_n who_o frequent_o call_v the_o messiah_n by_o the_o name_n of_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o which_o i_o may_v give_v many_o instance_n but_o there_o be_v one_o very_o remarkable_a in_o the_o targum_fw-la of_o jonathan_n which_o render_v those_o word_n of_o the_o psalmist_n which_o the_o jew_n acknowledge_v to_o be_v speak_v of_o the_o messiah_n viz._n the_o lord_n say_v unto_o my_o lord_n sit_v thou_o on_o my_o right_a hand_n etc._n etc._n i_o say_v it_o render_v they_o thus_o the_o lord_n say_v unto_o his_o word_n sit_v thou_o on_o my_o right_a hand_n etc._n etc._n and_o so_o likewise_o philo_n the_o jew_n call_v he_o by_o who_o god_n make_v the_o world_n the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o plato_n probable_o
be_v entangle_v and_o that_o which_o man_n be_v please_v to_o call_v a_o explain_n of_o it_o do_v in_o my_o apprehension_n often_o make_v it_o more_o obscure_a that_o be_v less_o plain_a than_o it_o be_v before_o which_o do_v not_o so_o very_o well_o agree_v with_o a_o pretence_n of_o explication_n here_o than_o i_o fix_v my_o foot_n that_o there_o be_v three_o difference_n in_o the_o deity_n which_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o by_o the_o name_n of_o father_n son_n and_o h._n ghost_n and_o every_o where_o speak_v of_o they_o as_o we_o use_v to_o do_v of_o three_o distinct_a person_n and_o therefore_o i_o see_v no_o reason_n why_o in_o this_o argument_n we_o shall_v nice_o abstain_v from_o use_v the_o word_n person_n though_o i_o remember_v that_o st._n jerome_n do_v somewhere_o desire_v to_o be_v excuse_v from_o it_o now_o concern_v these_o three_o i_o may_v in_o the_o first_o place_n urge_v that_o plain_a and_o express_a text_n 7._o there_o be_v three_o that_o bear_v record_n in_o heaven_n the_o father_n the_o word_n and_o the_o h._n ghost_n and_o these_o three_o be_v one_o but_o upon_o this_o i_o will_v not_o now_o insist_v because_o it_o be_v pretend_v that_o in_o some_o copy_n of_o great_a antiquity_n this_o verse_n be_v omit_v the_o contrary_a whereof_o be_v i_o think_v capable_a of_o be_v make_v out_o very_o clear_o but_o this_o matter_n will_v be_v too_o long_o to_o be_v debate_v at_o present_a however_o that_o be_v thus_o much_o be_v certain_a and_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o our_o saviour_n command_v his_o apostle_n to_o baptize_v all_o nation_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n and_o that_o the_o apostle_n in_o their_o epistle_n do_v in_o their_o most_o usual_a form_n of_o benediction_n join_v these_o three_o together_o and_o it_o be_v yet_o further_o certain_a that_o not_o only_o the_o name_n and_o title_n of_o god_n but_o the_o most_o incommunicable_a property_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o deity_n be_v in_o scripture_n frequent_o ascribe_v to_o the_o son_n and_o the_o h._n ghost_n one_o property_n only_o except_v which_o be_v peculiar_a to_o the_o father_n as_o he_o be_v the_o principle_n and_o fountain_n of_o the_o deity_n that_o he_o be_v of_o himself_o and_o of_o no_o other_o which_o be_v not_o nor_o can_v be_v say_v of_o the_o son_n and_o h._n ghost_n now_o let_v any_o man_n show_v any_o plain_a and_o downright_a contradiction_n in_o all_o this_o or_o any_o other_o difficulty_n beside_o this_o that_o the_o particular_a manner_n of_o the_o existence_n of_o these_o three_o difference_n or_o person_n in_o the_o divine_a nature_n express_v in_o scripture_n by_o the_o name_n of_o father_n son_n and_o h._n ghost_n be_v incomprehensible_a by_o our_o finite_a understanding_n and_o inexplicable_a by_o we_o in_o which_o i_o do_v not_o see_v what_o absurdity_n there_o be_v since_o our_o adversary_n can_v deny_v that_o many_o thing_n certain_o be_v the_o particular_a manner_n of_o who_o existence_n we_o can_v neither_o comprehend_v nor_o explain_v let_v we_o now_o see_v whether_o the_o opinion_n of_o our_o adversary_n have_v not_o great_a difficulty_n in_o it_o and_o more_o palpable_a absurdity_n follow_v from_o it_o they_o say_v that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v a_o mere_a creature_n not_o god_n by_o nature_n and_o yet_o true_o and_o real_o god_n by_o office_n and_o by_o divine_a appointment_n and_o constitution_n to_o who_o the_o very_a same_o honour_n and_o worship_n be_v to_o be_v give_v which_o we_o give_v to_o he_o who_o be_v god_n by_o nature_n and_o can_v they_o discern_v no_o difficulty_n no_o absurdity_n in_o this_o what_o no_o absurdity_n in_o bring_v idolatry_n by_o a_o backdoor_n into_o the_o christian_a religion_n one_o main_a design_n whereof_o be_v to_o banish_v idolatry_n out_o of_o the_o world_n and_o will_v they_o in_o good_a earnest_n contest_v this_o matter_n with_o we_o that_o the_o give_v divine_a worship_n to_o a_o mere_a creature_n be_v not_o idolatry_n and_o can_v they_o vindicate_v themselves_o in_o this_o point_n any_o other_o way_n than_o what_o will_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n acquit_v both_o the_o pagan_n and_o the_o papist_n from_o the_o charge_n of_o idolatry_n what_o no_o absurdity_n in_o a_o god_n as_o it_o be_v but_o of_o yesterday_o in_o a_o creature_n god_n in_o a_o god_n mere_o by_o positive_a institution_n and_o this_o in_o opposition_n to_o a_o plain_a moral_a precept_n of_o eternal_a obligation_n and_o to_o the_o fix_a and_o immutable_a nature_n and_o reason_n of_o thing_n so_o that_o to_o avoid_v the_o shadow_n and_o appearance_n of_o a_o plurality_n of_o deity_n they_o run_v real_o into_o it_o and_o for_o any_o thing_n i_o can_v see_v into_o downright_a idolatry_n 25._o by_o worship_v a_o creature_n beside_o the_o creator_n who_o be_v bless_v for_o ever_o they_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n allow_v two_o god_n by_o nature_n no_o more_o can_v we_o but_o they_o can_v willing_o admit_v of_o two_o god_n the_o one_o by_o nature_n and_o the_o other_o by_o office_n to_o who_o they_o be_v content_a to_o pay_v the_o same_o honour_n which_o be_v due_a to_o he_o who_o be_v god_n by_o nature_n provide_v christ_n will_v be_v content_v to_o be_v but_o a_o creature_n they_o will_v deal_v more_o liberal_o with_o he_o in_o another_o way_n than_o in_o reason_n be_v fit_a and_o do_v they_o see_v no_o absurdity_n in_o all_o this_o nothing_o that_o be_v contrary_a to_o reason_n and_o good_a sense_n nothing_o that_o feel_v like_o inconsistency_n and_o contradiction_n do_v they_o consider_v how_o often_o god_n have_v declare_v that_o he_o will_v not_o give_v his_o glory_n to_o another_o and_o that_o the_o apostle_n describe_v idolatry_n to_o be_v the_o giving_z service_n 8._o or_o worship_n to_o thing_n which_o by_o nature_n be_v no_o god_n sure_o if_o reason_n guide_v by_o divine_a revelation_n be_v to_o choose_v a_o god_n it_o will_v make_v choice_n of_o one_o who_o be_v declare_v in_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o only_o beget_v of_o the_o father_n the_o first_o and_o the_o last_o the_o beginning_n and_o the_o end_n the_o same_o yesterday_o to_o day_n and_o for_o ever_o much_o rather_o than_o a_o mere_a creature_n who_o do_v not_o begin_v to_o be_v till_o about_o seventeen_o hundred_o year_n ago_o i_o only_o propose_v these_o thing_n without_o any_o artificial_a aggravation_n to_o their_o most_o serious_a and_o impartial_a consideration_n after_o which_o i_o can_v think_v that_o these_o great_a master_n of_o reason_n can_v think_v it_o so_o easy_a a_o matter_n to_o extricate_v themselves_o out_o of_o these_o difficulty_n the_o god_n of_o truth_n lead_v we_o into_o all_o truth_n and_o enlighten_v the_o mind_n of_o those_o who_o be_v in_o error_n and_o give_v they_o repentance_n to_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o truth_n for_o his_o sake_n who_o be_v the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n and_o thus_o much_o may_v suffice_v to_o have_v say_v upon_o this_o argument_n which_o i_o be_o sensible_a be_v mere_a controversy_n a_o thing_n which_o i_o seldom_o meddle_v with_o and_o do_v not_o delight_v to_o dwell_v upon_o but_o my_o text_n which_o be_v so_o very_o proper_a for_o this_o season_n have_v almost_o necessary_o engage_v i_o in_o it_o beside_o that_o i_o think_v it_o a_o point_n of_o that_o concernment_n that_o all_o christian_n ought_v to_o be_v well_o instruct_v in_o it_o and_o i_o have_v choose_v rather_o once_o for_o all_o to_o handle_v it_o full_o and_o to_o go_v to_o the_o bottom_n of_o it_o than_o in_o every_o sermon_n to_o be_v flirt_a at_o it_o without_o say_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o purpose_n against_o it_o a_o way_n which_o in_o my_o opinion_n be_v neither_o proper_a to_o establish_v man_n in_o the_o truth_n nor_o to_o convince_v they_o of_o their_o error_n i_o shall_v only_o at_o present_a make_v this_o short_a reflection_n upon_o the_o whole_a that_o we_o ought_v to_o treat_v the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n with_o all_o reverence_n and_o submission_n of_o mind_n to_o the_o doctrine_n therein_o reveal_v and_o to_o interpret_v they_o with_o that_o candour_n and_o simplicity_n which_o be_v due_a to_o the_o sincere_a declaration_n of_o god_n intend_v for_o the_o instruction_n and_o not_o for_o the_o deception_n and_o delusion_n of_o man_n i_o say_v we_o shall_v treat_v they_o as_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n and_o not_o like_o the_o doubtful_a oracle_n of_o the_o heathen_a deity_n that_o be_v in_o truth_n of_o the_o devil_n which_o be_v contrive_v and_o calculate_v on_o purpose_n to_o deceive_v contain_v and_o for_o the_o most_o part_n intend_v a_o sense_n direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o appear_v and_o most_o obvious_a meaning_n of_o the_o word_n for_o the_o devil_n be_v the_o first_o author_n of_o equivocation_n though_o the_o jesuit_n
mere_a critical_a skill_n in_o word_n without_o regard_n to_o the_o true_a occasion_n upon_o which_o they_o be_v make_v and_o without_o any_o manner_n of_o knowledge_n and_o insight_n into_o the_o history_n of_o the_o age_n in_o which_o they_o be_v write_v i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o thing_n which_o i_o propose_v to_o consider_v namely_o ii_o the_o description_n here_o give_v of_o the_o word_n by_o this_o evangelist_n in_o his_o entrance_n into_o his_o history_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o beginning_n say_v he_o be_v the_o word_n and_o the_o word_n be_v with_o god_n and_o the_o word_n be_v god_n the_o same_o be_v in_o the_o begin_n with_o god_n all_o thing_n be_v make_v by_o he_o and_o without_o he_o be_v not_o any_o thing_n make_v that_o be_v make_v in_o which_o passage_n of_o the_o evangelist_n four_o thing_n be_v say_v of_o the_o word_n which_o will_v require_v a_o more_o particular_a explication_n first_o that_o he_o be_v in_o the_o beginning_n second_o that_o he_o be_v in_o the_o begin_n with_o god_n three_o that_o he_o be_v god_n four_o that_o all_o be_v make_v by_o he_o one_a that_o he_o he_o be_v in_o the_o beginning_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 1._o which_o be_v the_o same_o with_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d from_o the_o beginning_n where_o speak_v of_o christ_n by_o the_o name_n of_o eternal_a life_n and_o of_o the_o word_n of_o life_n that_o say_v he_o which_o be_v from_o the_o beginning_n nonnus_n the_o ancient_a paraphra_v of_o st._n john_n gospel_n by_o way_n of_o explication_n of_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o his_o be_v in_o the_o beginning_n add_v that_o he_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d without_o time_n that_o be_v before_o all_o time_n and_o if_o so_o than_o he_o be_v from_o all_o eternity_n in_o the_o beginning_n be_v the_o word_n that_o be_v when_o thing_n begin_v to_o be_v make_v he_o be_v not_o then_o begin_v to_o be_v but_o then_o already_o be_v and_o do_v exist_v before_o any_o thing_n be_v make_v and_o consequent_o be_v without_o beginning_n for_o that_o which_o be_v never_o make_v can_v have_v no_o beginning_n of_o its_o be_v and_o so_o the_o jew_n use_v to_o describe_v eternity_n before_o the_o world_n be_v and_o before_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n as_o also_o in_o several_a place_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o so_o likewise_o solomon_n describe_v the_o eternity_n of_o wisdom_n etc._n the_o lord_n say_v he_o possess_v i_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o way_n before_o his_o work_n of_o old_a i_o be_v set_v up_o from_o everlasting_a from_o the_o beginning_n or_o ever_o the_o earth_n be_v when_o he_o prepare_v the_o heaven_n i_o be_v there_o then_o i_o be_v with_o he_o as_o one_o bring_v up_o with_o he_o rejoice_v always_o before_o he_o and_o so_o justin_n martyr_n explain_v this_o very_a expression_n of_o st._n john_n that_o he_o be_v or_o have_v a_o be_v before_o all_o age_n so_o likewise_o athenagoras_n a_o most_o ancient_a christian_a writer_n god_n say_v he_o who_o be_v a_o invisible_a mind_n have_v from_o the_o beginning_n the_o word_n in_o himself_o 2_o that_o in_o the_o begin_n the_o word_n be_v with_o god_n and_o so_o solomon_n when_o he_o will_v express_v the_o eternity_n of_o wisdom_n say_v it_o be_v with_o god_n and_o so_o likewise_o the_o son_n of_o sirach_n speak_v of_o wisdom_n say_v it_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d with_o god_n and_o so_o the_o ancient_a jew_n often_o call_v the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o word_n which_o be_v before_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v with_o he_o or_o in_o his_o presence_n in_o like_a manner_n the_o evangelist_n say_v here_o that_o the_o word_n be_v with_o god_n that_o be_v it_o be_v always_o together_o with_o he_o partake_v of_o his_o happiness_n and_o glory_n to_o which_o our_o saviour_n refer_v in_o his_o prayer_n 5._o glorify_v i_o with_o thy_o own_o self_n with_o the_o glory_n which_o i_o have_v with_o thou_o before_o the_o world_n be_v and_o this_o be_v with_o god_n the_o evangelist_n oppose_v to_o his_o appear_v and_o be_v manifest_v to_o the_o world_n v_o 10._o he_o be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o world_n be_v make_v by_o he_o and_o the_o world_n know_v he_o not_o that_o be_v he_o who_o from_o all_o eternity_n be_v with_o god_n appear_v in_o the_o world_n and_o when_o he_o do_v so_o though_o he_o have_v make_v the_o world_n yet_o the_o world_n will_v not_o own_v he_o and_o this_o opposition_n between_o his_o be_v with_o god_n and_o his_o be_v manifest_v in_o the_o world_n the_o same_o st._n john_n mention_n elsewhere_o 2._o i_o show_v unto_o you_o that_o eternal_a life_n which_o be_v with_o the_o father_n and_o be_v manifest_v unto_o we_o 3_o that_o he_o be_v god_n and_o so_o justin_n martyr_n say_v of_o he_o that_o he_o be_v god_n before_o the_o world_n that_o be_v from_o all_o eternity_n but_o then_o the_o evangelist_n add_v by_o way_n of_o explication_n the_o same_o be_v in_o the_o begin_n with_o god_n that_o be_v though_o the_o word_n be_v true_o and_o real_o god_n yet_o he_o be_v not_o god_n the_o father_n who_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o the_o deity_n but_o a_o emanation_n from_o he_o the_o only_o beget_v son_n of_o god_n from_o all_o eternity_n with_o he_o to_o denote_v to_o we_o that_o which_o be_v common_o call_v by_o divine_n and_o for_o any_o thing_n i_o can_v ever_o see_v proper_o enough_o the_o distinction_n of_o person_n in_o the_o deity_n at_o least_o we_o know_v not_o a_o fit_a word_n whereby_o to_o express_v that_o great_a mystery_n four_o that_o all_o thing_n be_v make_v by_o he_o this_o seem_v to_o refer_v to_o the_o description_n which_o moses_n make_v of_o the_o creation_n 1._o where_o god_n be_v represent_v create_v thing_n by_o his_o word_n god_n say_v let_v there_o be_v light_n and_o there_o be_v light_a and_o so_o likewise_o the_o psalmist_n 6._o by_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v the_o heaven_n make_v and_o all_o the_o host_n of_o they_o by_o the_o breath_n of_o his_o mouth_n and_o so_o st._n peter_n also_o express_v the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n by_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o heaven_n be_v of_o old_a 5._o and_o the_o earth_n make_v out_o of_o water_n and_o in_o the_o ancient_a book_n of_o the_o chaldean_n and_o the_o verse_n ascribe_v to_o orpheus_n the_o maker_n of_o the_o world_n be_v call_v the_o word_n and_o the_o divine_a word_n and_o so_o tertullian_n tell_v the_o pagan_n that_o by_o their_o philosopher_n the_o maker_n of_o the_o world_n be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o word_n or_o reason_n and_o philo_n the_o jew_n follow_v plato_n who_o himself_o most_o probable_o have_v it_o from_o the_o jew_n say_v that_o the_o world_n be_v create_v by_o the_o word_n who_o he_o call_v the_o name_n of_o god_n and_o the_o image_n of_o god_n and_o the_o son_n of_o god_n two_o of_o which_o glorious_a title_n be_v ascribe_v to_o he_o together_o with_o that_o of_o maker_n of_o the_o world_n by_o the_o author_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n in_o these_o last_o day_n say_v he_o god_n have_v speak_v to_o we_o by_o his_o son_n by_o who_o also_o he_o make_v the_o world_n who_o be_v the_o brightness_n of_o his_o glory_n and_o the_o express_a image_n of_o his_o person_n and_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n st._n paul_n 17._o speak_v of_o christ_n call_v he_o the_o image_n of_o the_o invisible_a god_n the_o first-born_a of_o every_o creature_n that_o be_v bear_v before_o any_o thing_n be_v create_v as_o do_v evident_o follow_v from_o the_o reason_n give_v in_o the_o next_o word_n why_o he_o call_v he_o the_o first-born_a of_o every_o creature_n for_o by_o he_o be_v all_o thing_n create_v that_o be_v in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n visible_a and_o invisible_a all_o thing_n be_v create_v by_o he_o and_o for_o he_o and_o he_o be_v before_o all_o thing_n and_o by_o he_o all_o thing_n subsist_v from_o whence_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o by_o his_o be_v the_o first-born_a of_o every_o creature_n thus_o much_o at_o least_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v that_o he_o be_v before_o all_o creature_n and_o therefore_o he_o himself_o can_v be_v a_o creature_n unless_o he_o can_v be_v before_o himself_o nay_o the_o apostle_n say_v it_o express_o in_o this_o very_a text_n in_o which_o he_o be_v call_v the_o first-born_a of_o every_o creature_n or_o of_o the_o whole_a creation_n that_o he_o be_v before_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v he_o have_v a_o be_v before_o there_o be_v any_o create_v be_v he_o be_v before_o all_o creature_n both_o in_o duration_n and_o in_o dignity_n for_o so_o must_v he_o of_o necessity_n be_v if_o all_o thing_n be_v make_v by_o he_o for_o as_o
make_v and_o consequent_o be_v without_o any_o begin_n of_o time_n for_o that_o which_o be_v never_o make_v can_v have_v no_o beginning_n of_o its_o be_v second_o that_o in_o that_o state_n of_o his_o existence_n before_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n he_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a glory_n and_o happiness_n and_o this_o i_o have_v show_v to_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o that_o expression_n and_o the_o word_n be_v with_o god_n for_o thus_o our_o b._n saviour_n do_v explain_v his_o be_v with_o god_n before_o the_o world_n be_v and_o now_o o_o father_n glorify_v i_o with_o thy_o own_o self_n with_o the_o glory_n which_o i_o have_v with_o thou_o before_o the_o world_n be_v three_o that_o he_o be_v god_n and_o the_o word_n be_v god_n not_o god_n the_o father_n who_o be_v the_o principle_n and_o fountain_n of_o the_o deity_n to_o prevent_v that_o mistake_n after_o he_o have_v say_v that_o the_o word_n be_v god_n he_o immediate_o add_v in_o the_o next_o verse_n the_o same_o be_v in_o the_o begin_n with_o god_n he_o be_v god_n by_o participation_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o happiness_n together_o with_o the_o father_n and_o by_o way_n of_o derivation_n from_o he_o as_o the_o light_n be_v from_o the_o sun_n which_o be_v the_o common_a illustration_n which_o the_o ancient_a father_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n give_v we_o of_o this_o mystery_n and_o be_v perhaps_o the_o best_a and_o fit_a that_o can_v be_v give_v of_o it_o for_o among_o finite_a being_n it_n be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v because_o not_o possible_a to_o find_v any_o exact_a resemblance_n of_o that_o which_o be_v infinite_a and_o consequent_o be_v incomprehensible_a because_o whatever_o be_v infinite_a be_v for_o that_o reason_n incomprehensible_a by_o a_o finite_a understanding_n which_o be_v too_o short_a and_o shallow_a to_o measure_v that_o which_o be_v infinite_a and_o whoever_o attempt_v it_o will_v soon_o find_v himself_o out_o of_o his_o depth_n four_o that_o all_o thing_n be_v make_v by_o he_o which_o can_v not_o have_v be_v more_o emphatical_o express_v than_o it_o be_v here_o by_o the_o evangelist_n after_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o hebrew_n who_o when_o they_o will_v say_v a_o thing_n with_o the_o great_a force_n and_o certainty_n be_v wont_a to_o express_v it_o both_o affirmative_o and_o negative_o as_o he_o shall_v live_v and_o not_o die_v that_o be_v he_o shall_v most_o assure_o live_v so_o here_o all_o thing_n be_v make_v by_o he_o and_o without_o he_o be_v not_o any_o thing_n make_v that_o be_v make_v that_o be_v he_o make_v all_o creature_n without_o exception_n and_o consequent_o he_o himself_o be_v not_o a_o creature_n because_o it_o be_v evident_o impossible_a that_o any_o thing_n shall_v ever_o make_v itself_o but_o then_o if_o he_o be_v and_o yet_o be_v never_o make_v it_o be_v certain_o true_a that_o he_o always_o be_v even_o from_o all_o eternity_n all_o these_o assertion_n be_v plain_o and_o express_o contain_v in_o this_o description_n which_o the_o evangelist_n st._n john_n here_o make_v of_o the_o word_n and_o this_o according_a to_o the_o interpretation_n of_o these_o expression_n by_o the_o unaminous_a consent_n of_o the_o most_o ancient_a writer_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n who_o some_o of_o they_o have_v the_o advantage_n of_o receive_v it_o from_o the_o immediate_a disciple_n of_o st._n john_n which_o sure_o be_v no_o small_a prejudice_n against_o any_o new_o invent_v and_o contrary_a interpretation_n as_o i_o shall_v hereafter_o more_o full_o show_v when_o i_o come_v to_o consider_v the_o strange_a and_o extravagant_a interpretation_n which_o the_o socinian_o make_v of_o this_o passage_n of_o st._n john_n which_o be_v plain_a enough_o of_o itself_o if_o they_o under_o a_o pretence_n of_o explain_v and_o make_v it_o more_o clear_a have_v not_o disturb_v and_o darken_v it_o now_o from_o this_o description_n which_o the_o evangelist_n here_o give_v of_o the_o word_n and_o which_o i_o have_v so_o large_o explain_v in_o the_o forego_n discourse_n these_o three_o corollary_n or_o conclusion_n do_v necessary_o follow_v first_o that_o the_o word_n here_o describe_v by_o st._n john_n be_v not_o a_o creature_n this_o conclusion_n be_v direct_o against_o the_o arian_n who_o affirm_v that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v a_o creature_n they_o grant_v indeed_o that_o he_o be_v the_o first_o of_o all_o the_o creature_n both_o in_o dignity_n and_o duration_n for_o so_o they_o understand_v that_o expression_n of_o the_o apostle_n wherein_o he_o be_v call_v the_o first-born_a of_o every_o creature_n but_o this_o i_o have_v endeavour_v already_o to_o show_v not_o to_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o that_o expression_n they_o grant_v he_o indeed_o to_o have_v be_v god_n agent_n or_o instrument_n in_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o that_o all_o other_o creature_n beside_o himself_o be_v make_v by_o he_o but_o still_o they_o contend_v that_o he_o be_v a_o creature_n and_o be_v make_v now_o this_o can_v possible_o consist_v with_o what_o st._n john_n say_v of_o he_o that_o he_o be_v in_o the_o beginning_n that_o be_v as_o have_v be_v already_o show_v before_o anything_o be_v make_v and_o likewise_o because_o he_o be_v say_v to_o have_v make_v all_o thing_n and_o that_o without_o he_o be_v not_o anything_o make_v that_o be_v make_v and_o therefore_o he_o himself_o who_o make_v all_o thing_n be_v necessary_o except_v out_o of_o the_o condition_n and_o rank_n of_o a_o creature_n as_o the_o apostle_n reason_n in_o another_o case_n he_o have_v put_v all_o thing_n under_o his_o foot_n but_o when_o he_o say_v all_o thing_n be_v put_v under_o he_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o he_o be_v except_v who_o do_v put_v all_o thing_n under_o he_o in_o like_a manner_n if_o by_o he_o all_o thing_n be_v make_v and_o without_o he_o be_v not_o any_o thing_n make_v that_o be_v make_v then_o either_o he_o be_v not_o make_v or_o he_o must_v make_v himself_o which_o involve_v in_o it_o a_o plain_a contradiction_n second_o that_o this_o word_n be_v from_o all_o eternity_n for_o if_o he_o be_v in_o the_o beginning_n that_o be_v before_o any_o thing_n be_v make_v he_o must_v of_o necessity_n always_o have_v be_v because_o whatever_o be_v must_v either_o have_v be_v sometime_o make_v or_o must_v always_o have_v be_v for_o that_o which_o be_v not_o and_o afterward_o be_v must_v be_v make_v and_o this_o will_v likewise_o follow_v from_o his_o be_v say_v to_o be_v god_n and_o that_o in_o the_o most_o strict_a and_o proper_a sense_n which_o do_v necessary_o imply_v his_o eternity_n because_o god_n can_v begin_v to_o be_v but_o must_v of_o necessity_n always_o have_v be_v three_o from_o both_o these_o it_o will_v undeniable_o follow_v that_o he_o have_v a_o existence_n before_o his_o incarnation_n and_o his_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o b._n virgin_n for_o if_o he_o be_v in_o the_o beginning_n that_o be_v from_o all_o eternity_n which_o i_o have_v show_v to_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o that_o expression_n then_o certain_o he_o be_v before_o his_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o b._n virgin_n and_o this_o likewise_o be_v imply_v in_o the_o proposition_n in_o the_o text_n and_o the_o word_n be_v make_v flesh_n viz._n that_o word_n which_o the_o evangelist_n have_v before_o so_o glorious_o describe_v that_o word_n which_o be_v in_o the_o beginning_n and_o be_v with_o god_n and_o be_v god_n and_o by_o who_o all_o thing_n be_v make_v i_o say_v that_o word_n be_v incarnate_a and_o assume_v a_o human_a nature_n and_o therefore_o must_v necessary_o exist_v and_o have_v a_o be_v before_o he_o can_v assume_v humanity_n into_o a_o union_n with_o his_o divinity_n and_o this_o proposition_n be_v direct_o level_v against_o the_o socinian_o who_o affirm_v our_o b._n saviour_n to_o be_v a_o mere_a man_n and_o that_o he_o have_v no_o existence_n before_o he_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o virgin_n mary_n his_o mother_n which_o assertion_n of_o they_o do_v perfect_o contradict_v all_o the_o former_a conclusion_n which_o have_v be_v draw_v from_o the_o description_n here_o give_v by_o st._n john_n of_o the_o word_n and_o their_o interpretation_n of_o this_o passage_n of_o st._n john_n apply_v it_o to_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o publication_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o to_o the_o new_a creation_n or_o reformation_n of_o the_o world_n by_o jesus_n christ_n do_v likewise_o contradict_v the_o interpretation_n of_o this_o passage_n constant_o receive_v not_o only_o by_o the_o ancient_a father_n but_o even_o by_o the_o general_a consent_n of_o all_o christian_n for_o fifteen_o hundred_o year_n together_o as_o i_o shall_v hereafter_o plain_o show_v for_o to_o establish_v this_o their_o opinion_n that_o our_o b._n saviour_n be_v a_o mere_a man_n and_o have_v no_o existence_n before_o his_o birth_n they_o be_v force_v to_o interpret_v
this_o whole_a passage_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o st._n john_n gospel_n quite_o to_o another_o sense_n never_o mention_v nor_o i_o believe_v think_v of_o by_o any_o christian_a writer_n whatsoever_o before_o socinus_n and_o it_o be_v not_o easy_a to_o imagine_v how_o any_o opinion_n can_v be_v load_v with_o a_o great_a and_o heavy_a prejudice_n than_o this_o be_v and_o this_o i_o shall_v now_o take_v into_o consideration_n and_o show_v beside_o the_o novelty_n of_o this_o interpretation_n and_o the_o great_a violence_n and_o unreasonableness_n of_o it_o the_o utter_a inconsistency_n of_o it_o with_o other_o plain_a text_n of_o new_a testament_n but_o this_o be_v whole_o matter_n of_o controversy_n and_o will_v require_v a_o large_a discourse_n by_o itself_o i_o shall_v therefore_o wave_v the_o further_a prosecution_n of_o it_o at_o present_a and_o apply_v myself_o to_o that_o which_o be_v more_o practical_a and_o proper_a for_o the_o occasion_n of_o this_o season_n so_o that_o at_o present_a i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o first_o thing_n contain_v in_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o text_n viz._n the_o person_n here_o speak_v of_o who_o be_v say_v to_o be_v incarnate_a namely_o the_o word_n it_o be_v he_o that_o be_v make_v flesh_n i_o shall_v then_o have_v proceed_v to_o the_o second_o thing_n which_o i_o propose_v to_o consider_v viz._n the_o mystery_n itself_o or_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o incarnation_n so_o far_o as_o the_o scripture_n have_v reveal_v and_o declare_v it_o to_o we_o namely_o by_o assume_v our_o nature_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o that_o the_o divinity_n become_v unite_v to_o a_o human_a soul_n and_o body_n but_o this_o i_o have_v already_o endeavour_v in_o some_o measure_n to_o explain_v and_o shall_v do_v it_o more_o full_o in_o some_o of_o the_o follow_a discourse_n upon_o this_o text._n i_o shall_v now_o only_o make_v a_o short_a and_o useful_a reflection_n upon_o it_o with_o relation_n to_o the_o solemnity_n of_o this_o time_n and_o it_o shall_v be_v to_o stir_v we_o up_o to_o a_o thankful_a acknowledgement_n of_o the_o great_a love_n of_o god_n to_o mankind_n in_o the_o mystery_n of_o our_o redemption_n by_o the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o word_n the_o only_o beget_v son_n of_o god_n that_o he_o shall_v deign_v to_o have_v such_o a_o regard_n to_o we_o in_o our_o low_a condition_n and_o to_o take_v our_o case_n so_o much_o to_o heart_n as_o to_o think_v of_o redeem_v and_o save_v mankind_n from_o that_o depth_n of_o misery_n into_o which_o we_o have_v plunge_v ourselves_o and_o to_o do_v this_o in_o so_o wonderful_a and_o astonish_a a_o manner_n that_o god_n shall_v employ_v his_o eternal_a and_o only_o beget_v son_n who_o have_v be_v with_o he_o from_o all_o eternity_n partaker_n of_o his_o happiness_n and_o glory_n and_o be_v god_n of_o god_n to_o save_v the_o son_n of_o man_n by_o so_o infinite_a and_o amaze_a a_o condescension_n that_o god_n shall_v vouchsafe_v to_o become_v man_n to_o reconcile_v man_n to_o god_n that_o he_o shall_v come_v down_o from_o heaven_n to_o earth_n to_o raise_v we_o from_o earth_n to_o heaven_n that_o he_o shall_v assume_v our_o vile_a and_o frail_a and_o mortal_a nature_n that_o he_o may_v clothe_v we_o with_o glory_n and_o honour_n and_o immortality_n that_o he_o shall_v suffer_v death_n to_o save_v we_o from_o hell_n and_o shed_v his_o blood_n to_o purchase_v eternal_a redemption_n for_o we_o for_o certain_o the_o great_a the_o person_n be_v that_o be_v employ_v in_o this_o merciful_a design_n so_o much_o the_o great_a be_v the_o condescension_n and_o the_o love_n and_o goodness_n express_v in_o it_o so_o much_o the_o more_o admirable_a that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n shall_v stoop_v from_o the_o height_n of_o glory_n and_o happiness_n to_o the_o low_a degree_n of_o abasement_n and_o to_o the_o very_a depth_n of_o misery_n for_o our_o sake_n who_o be_v so_o mean_a and_o inconsiderable_a so_o guilty_a and_o obnoxious_a to_o the_o severity_n of_o his_o justice_n so_o altogether_o unworthy_a of_o his_o grace_n and_o favour_n and_o so_o very_o unwilling_a to_o receive_v it_o when_o it_o be_v so_o free_o offer_v to_o we_o for_o as_o the_o evangelist_n here_o tell_v we_o he_o come_v to_o his_o own_o and_o his_o own_o receive_v he_o not_o to_o his_o own_o creature_n and_o they_o do_v not_o own_o and_o acknowledge_v their_o maker_n to_o his_o own_o nation_n and_o kindred_n and_o they_o despise_v he_o and_o esteem_v he_o not_o lord_n what_o be_v man_n that_o god_n shall_v be_v so_o mindful_a of_o he_o or_o the_o son_n of_o man_n that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n shall_v come_v down_o from_o heaven_n to_o visit_v he_o in_o so_o much_o humility_n and_o condescension_n and_o with_o so_o much_o kindness_n and_o compassion_n bless_a god_n and_o saviour_n of_o mankind_n what_o shall_v we_o render_v to_o thou_o for_o such_o mighty_a love_n for_o such_o inestimable_a benefit_n as_o thou_o have_v purchase_v for_o we_o and_o be_v ready_a to_o confer_v upon_o we_o what_o shall_v we_o say_v to_o thou_o o_o thou_o preserver_n and_o lover_n of_o soul_n so_o often_o as_o we_o approach_v thy_o h._n table_n there_o to_o commemorate_v this_o mighty_a love_n of_o thou_o to_o we_o and_o to_o partake_v of_o those_o invaluable_a blessing_n which_o by_o thy_o precious_a bloodshedding_n thou_o have_v obtain_v for_o we_o so_o often_o as_o we_o there_o remember_v that_o thou_o be_v please_v to_o assume_v our_o mortal_a nature_n on_o purpose_n to_o live_v among_o we_o for_o our_o instruction_n and_o for_o our_o example_n and_o to_o lay_v down_o thy_o life_n for_o the_o redemption_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o for_o the_o expiation_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o to_o take_v part_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n that_o thou_o may_v shed_v it_o for_o our_o sake_n what_o affection_n shall_v these_o thought_n raise_v in_o we_o what_o vow_n and_o resolution_n shall_v they_o engage_v we_o in_o of_o perpetual_a love_n and_o gratitude_n and_o obedience_n to_o thou_o the_o most_o gracious_a and_o most_o glorious_a redeemer_n of_o mankind_n and_o with_o what_o religious_a solemnity_n shall_v we_o more_o especial_o at_o this_o time_n celebrate_v the_o incarnation_n and_o birth_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n by_o give_v praise_n and_o glory_n to_o god_n in_o the_o high_a and_o by_o all_o possible_a demonstration_n of_o charity_n and_o goodwill_n to_o man_n and_o as_o he_o be_v please_v to_o assume_v our_o nature_n so_o shall_v we_o especial_o at_o this_o season_n put_v on_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o be_v sincere_o embrace_v and_o practise_v his_o religion_n make_v no_o provision_n for_o the_o flesh_n to_o fulfil_v the_o lust_n thereof_o and_o now_o that_o the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n be_v rise_v upon_o the_o world_n we_o shall_v walk_v as_o child_n of_o the_o light_n and_o demean_v ourselves_o decent_o as_o in_o the_o day_n not_o in_o riot_v and_o drunkenness_n not_o in_o chamber_v and_o wantonness_n not_o in_o strife_n and_o envy_n and_o shall_v be_v very_o careful_a not_o to_o abuse_v ourselves_o by_o sin_n and_o sensuality_n upon_o this_o very_a consideration_n that_o the_o son_n have_v put_v such_o a_o honour_n and_o dignity_n upon_o we_o we_o shall_v reverence_v that_o nature_n which_o god_n do_v not_o disdain_v to_o assume_v and_o to_o inhabit_v here_o on_o earth_n and_o in_o which_o he_o now_o glorious_o reign_v in_o heaven_n at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o his_o father_n to_o who_o be_v glory_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o amen_n sermon_n ii_o concern_v the_o divinity_n of_o christ_n preach_v in_o the_o church_n of_o st._n laurence_n jewry_n january_n 6._o 1679._o john_n i_o 14._o the_o word_n be_v make_v flesh_n i_o proceed_v now_o to_o prosecute_v the_o three_o corollary_n or_o conclusion_n which_o do_v necessary_o follow_v from_o the_o description_n which_o st._n john_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o gospel_n give_v of_o the_o word_n and_o which_o i_o have_v so_o large_o explain_v in_o the_o forego_n discourse_n and_o it_o be_v this_o that_o the_o word_n here_o describe_v by_o the_o evangelist_n have_v a_o existence_n before_o his_o incarnation_n and_o his_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o b._n virgin_n this_o assertion_n i_o tell_v you_o be_v level_v direct_o against_o the_o socinian_o who_o affirm_v our_o b._n saviour_n to_o be_v a_o mere_a man_n and_o deny_v that_o he_o have_v any_o existence_n before_o he_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o virgin_n mary_n his_o mother_n which_o position_n of_o they_o do_v perfect_o contradict_v all_o the_o former_a conclusion_n which_o have_v be_v so_o evident_o draw_v from_o the_o description_n here_o give_v of_o the_o word_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o have_v force_v they_o to_o interpret_v this_o whole_a passage_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o st._n john_n gospel_n in_o a_o very_a different_a sense_n from_o
have_v since_o make_v it_o a_o lawful_a way_n of_o lie_v which_o their_o father_n of_o who_o they_o learn_v it_o have_v not_o credit_n and_o authority_n enough_o to_o do_v and_o it_o deserve_v likewise_o to_o be_v very_o well_o consider_v by_o we_o that_o nothing_o have_v give_v a_o great_a force_n to_o the_o exception_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n against_o the_o h._n scripture_n be_v a_o sufficient_a and_o certain_a rule_n of_o faith_n than_o the_o uncertainty_n into_o which_o they_o have_v bring_v the_o plain_a text_n imaginable_a for_o the_o establish_n of_o doctrine_n of_o great_a moment_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n by_o their_o remote_a and_o wrest_a interpretation_n of_o they_o which_o way_n of_o deal_n with_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v real_o more_o contumelious_a to_o those_o h._n oracle_n than_o the_o downright_a reject_v of_o their_o authority_n because_o this_o be_v a_o fair_a and_o open_a way_n of_o attacking_z they_o whereas_o the_o other_o be_v a_o insiduous_a and_o therefore_o more_o dangerous_a way_n of_o undermine_v they_o but_o as_o for_o we_o who_o do_v in_o good_a earnest_n believe_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o h._n scripture_n let_v we_o take_v all_o our_o doctrine_n and_o opinion_n from_o those_o clear_a fountain_n of_o truth_n not_o disturb_v and_o darken_v by_o search_v anxious_o into_o all_o the_o possible_a sense_n that_o the_o several_a word_n and_o expression_n of_o scripture_n can_v bear_v and_o by_o force_v that_o sense_n upon_o they_o which_o be_v most_o remote_a and_o unnatural_a and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n wilful_o overlook_v and_o pass_v by_o that_o sense_n which_o be_v most_o obvious_a and_o easy_a to_o the_o common_a apprehension_n of_o any_o unbiased_a and_o impartial_a reader_n this_o be_v to_o use_v the_o h._n scripture_n as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v do_v many_o holy_a and_o good_a man_n who_o they_o be_v please_v to_o brand_v with_o the_o odious_a name_n of_o heretic_n to_o torture_v they_o till_o they_o speak_v the_o mind_n of_o their_o tormentor_n though_o never_o so_o contrary_a to_o their_o own_o i_o will_v now_o conclude_v this_o whole_a discourse_n with_o a_o say_v which_o i_o hear_v from_o a_o great_a and_o judicious_a man_n non_fw-la amo_fw-la nimis_fw-la argutam_fw-la theologiam_fw-la i_o love_v no_o doctrine_n in_o divinity_n which_o stand_v so_o very_a much_o upon_o quirk_n and_o subtlety_n and_o i_o can_v upon_o this_o occasion_n forbear_v to_o say_v that_o those_o doctrine_n of_o religion_n and_o those_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n have_v ever_o be_v to_o i_o the_o most_o suspect_v which_o need_v abundance_n of_o wit_n and_o a_o great_a many_o criticism_n to_o make_v they_o out_o and_o consider_v the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o almighty_a god_n i_o can_v possible_o believe_v but_o that_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v and_o practise_v by_o christian_n in_o order_n to_o their_o eternal_a salvation_n be_v plain_o contain_v in_o the_o h._n scripture_n god_n sure_o have_v not_o deal_v so_o hardly_o with_o mankind_n as_o to_o make_v any_o thing_n necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v or_o practise_v by_o we_o which_o he_o have_v not_o make_v sufficient_o plain_a to_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o unlearned_a as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o learned_a god_n forbid_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v impossible_a for_o any_o man_n to_o be_v save_v and_o to_o get_v to_o heaven_n without_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o learning_n to_o direct_v and_o carry_v he_o thither_o when_o the_o far_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n have_v no_o learning_n at_o all_o it_o be_v well_o say_v by_o erasmus_n that_o it_o be_v never_o well_o with_o the_o christian_a world_n since_o it_o begin_v to_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o so_o much_o subtlety_n and_o wit_n for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v a_o true_a christian_a sermon_n iii_o concern_v the_o incarnation_n of_o christ_n preach_v in_o the_o church_n of_o st._n laurence_n jewry_n december_n 21._o 1680._o john_n i_o 14._o the_o word_n be_v make_v flesh_n the_o last_o year_n about_o this_o time_n and_o upon_o the_o same_o occasion_n of_o the_o annual_a commemoration_n of_o the_o incarnation_n and_o nativity_n of_o our_o b._n lord_n and_o saviour_n i_o begin_v to_o discourse_v to_o you_o upon_o these_o word_n in_o which_o i_o tell_v you_o be_v contain_v three_o great_a point_n concern_v our_o saviour_n the_o author_n and_o founder_n of_o our_o religion_n first_o his_o incarnation_n the_o word_n be_v make_v or_o become_v flesh_n second_o his_o life_n and_o conversation_n here_o among_o we_o and_o dwell_v among_o we_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d he_o pitch_v his_o tabernacle_n among_o we_o he_o live_v here_o below_o in_o this_o world_n and_o for_o some_o time_n make_v his_o residence_n and_o abode_n with_o we_o three_o that_o in_o this_o state_n of_o his_o humiliation_n he_o give_v great_a and_o clear_a evidence_n of_o his_o divinity_n whilst_o he_o appear_v as_o a_o man_n and_o live_v among_o we_o there_o be_v great_a and_o glorious_a testimony_n give_v of_o he_o that_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o that_o in_o so_o peculiar_a a_o manner_n as_o no_o creature_n can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v and_o we_o behold_v his_o glory_n the_o glory_n as_o of_o the_o only_o beget_v of_o the_o father_n full_a of_o grace_n and_o truth_n i_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o of_o these_o namely_o his_o incarnation_n the_o word_n be_v make_v flesh_n for_o the_o full_a and_o clear_a explication_n of_o which_o word_n i_o propose_v to_o consider_v these_o two_o thing_n i._o the_o person_n here_o speak_v of_o and_o who_o it_o be_v that_o be_v here_o say_v to_o be_v incarnate_a or_o make_v flesh_n namely_o the_o word_n and_o this_o i_o have_v handle_v at_o large_a in_o my_o two_o former_a discourse_n upon_o this_o text._n i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v in_o the_o ii_o second_o place_n to_o give_v some_o account_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o manner_n of_o this_o incarnation_n so_o far_o as_o the_o scripture_n have_v think_v fit_a to_o reveal_v and_o declare_v this_o mystery_n to_o we_o the_o word_n be_v make_v flesh_n that_o be_v he_o who_o be_v personal_o call_v the_o word_n and_o who_o the_o evangelist_n have_v so_o full_o and_o clear_o describe_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o gospel_n he_o become_v flesh_n that_o be_v assume_v our_o nature_n and_o become_v man_n for_o so_o the_o word_n flesh_n be_v frequent_o use_v in_o scripture_n for_o man_n or_o human_a nature_n so_o that_o by_o the_o word_n be_v become_v flesh_n that_o be_v man_n the_o evangelist_n do_v not_o only_o intend_v to_o express_v to_o we_o that_o he_o assume_v a_o human_a body_n without_o a_o soul_n but_o that_o he_o become_v a_o perfect_a man_n consist_v of_o soul_n and_o body_n unite_v it_o be_v very_o probable_a indeed_o that_o the_o evangelist_n do_v purposely_o choose_v the_o word_n flesh_n which_o signify_v the_o frail_a and_o mortal_a part_n of_o humanity_n to_o denote_v to_o we_o the_o great_a condescension_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n in_o assume_v our_o nature_n with_o all_o its_o infirmity_n and_o become_a subject_n to_o frailty_n and_o mortality_n for_o our_o sake_n have_v thus_o explain_v the_o meaning_n of_o this_o proposition_n the_o word_n be_v make_v flesh_n i_o shall_v in_o a_o further_a prosecution_n of_o this_o argument_n take_v into_o consideration_n these_o three_o thing_n first_o i_o shall_v consider_v more_o distinct_o what_o may_v reasonable_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v imply_v in_o this_o expression_n of_o the_o word_n be_v be_v make_v flesh_n second_o i_o shall_v consider_v the_o objection_n which_o be_v common_o bring_v against_o this_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n from_o the_o seem_a impossibility_n or_o incongruity_n of_o the_o thing_n three_o and_o because_o after_o all_o that_o can_v be_v say_v in_o answer_n to_o those_o objection_n it_o may_v still_o appear_v to_o we_o very_o strange_a that_o god_n who_o can_v without_o all_o this_o circumstance_n and_o condescension_n even_o almost_o beneath_o the_o majesty_n of_o the_o great_a god_n at_o least_o as_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o think_v have_v give_v law_n to_o mankind_n and_o have_v offer_v forgiveness_n of_o sin_n and_o eternal_a life_n upon_o their_o repentance_n for_o sin_n past_a and_o sincere_a though_o imperfect_a obedience_n for_o the_o future_a i_o say_v it_o may_v seem_v strange_a that_o notwithstanding_o this_o god_n shall_v yet_o make_v choice_n of_o this_o way_n and_o method_n of_o our_o salvation_n i_o shall_v therefore_o in_o the_o last_o place_n endeavour_v to_o give_v some_o probable_a account_n of_o this_o strange_a and_o wonderful_a dispensation_n and_o show_v that_o it_o be_v do_v in_o great_a condescension_n to_o the_o weakness_n and_o common_a prejudices_fw-la of_o mankind_n and_o that_o when_o it_o be_v thorough_o consider_v it_o will_v appear_v to_o be_v much_o
be_v fit_a for_o god_n to_o do_v and_o that_o he_o need_v not_o to_o take_v counsel_n of_o any_o of_o his_o creature_n what_o will_v best_o become_v he_o in_o this_o or_o any_o other_o case_n 13._o behold_v in_o this_o thou_o be_v not_o just_a i_o will_v answer_v thou_o that_o god_n be_v great_a than_o man_n why_o do_v thou_o dispute_v against_o he_o for_o he_o give_v not_o account_n of_o any_o of_o his_o matter_n three_o if_o our_o reason_n can_v get_v over_o this_o difficulty_n and_o admit_v that_o god_n may_v become_v man_n yet_o it_o seem_v very_o unsuitable_a to_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o to_o his_o great_a design_n of_o instruct_v and_o reform_v mankind_n to_o appear_v in_o so_o low_a and_o suffer_v a_o condition_n this_o to_o the_o heathen_a philosopher_n who_o as_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o by_o wisdom_n know_v not_o god_n do_v not_o only_o seem_v unreasonable_a but_o even_o ridiculous_a 21._o so_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o we_o say_v he_o preach_v christ_n crucify_v to_o the_o jew_n a_o stumble_a block_n and_o to_o the_o greek_n foolishness_n to_o think_v that_o so_o poor_a and_o mean_a a_o man_n be_v fit_a to_o give_v law_n to_o mankind_n and_o to_o awe_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n by_o the_o authority_n of_o his_o doctrine_n that_o one_o who_o be_v put_v to_o death_n himself_o shall_v be_v believe_v by_o other_o when_o he_o promise_v to_o they_o life_n and_o immortality_n in_o another_o world_n can_v not_o but_o appear_v very_o strange_a and_o unreasonable_a for_o answer_v to_o this_o beside_o other_o excellent_a reason_n and_o end_n which_o the_o scripture_n express_o assign_v of_o our_o b._n saviour_n humiliation_n in_o his_o assume_v our_o nature_n with_o the_o frailty_n and_o misery_n of_o it_o as_o that_o he_o may_v be_v a_o teacher_n and_o a_o example_n to_o we_o that_o by_o his_o bitter_a passion_n he_o may_v make_v expiation_n for_o sin_n and_o â—et_v we_o a_o pattern_n of_o the_o great_a meekness_n and_o patience_n under_o the_o great_a provocation_n and_o suffering_n that_o have_v suffer_v so_o grievous_o himself_o he_o may_v know_v how_o to_o commiserate_v and_o pity_v we_o in_o all_o our_o temptation_n and_o suffering_n that_o by_o death_n he_o may_v destroy_v he_o that_o have_v the_o power_n of_o death_n that_o be_v the_o devil_n and_o may_v deliver_v those_o who_o through_o fear_n of_o death_n be_v all_o their_o life-time_n subject_a to_o bondage_n i_o say_v beside_o all_o this_o it_o be_v of_o great_a use_n that_o the_o great_a teacher_n and_o reformer_n of_o mankind_n shall_v live_v in_o so_o mean_a and_o afflict_a a_o condition_n to_o confront_v the_o pride_n and_o vanity_n of_o the_o world_n by_o this_o consideration_n that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o the_o very_o best_a man_n that_o ever_o be_v be_v a_o beggar_n and_o have_v not_o where_o to_o lay_v his_o head_n and_o likewise_o to_o convince_v man_n of_o these_o two_o great_a truth_n that_o god_n may_v grievous_o afflict_v those_o who_o he_o dear_o love_v and_o that_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o man_n to_o be_v innocent_a and_o content_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o poverty_n and_o reproach_n and_o suffering_n have_v our_o b._n saviour_n appear_v in_o the_o person_n and_o pomp_n of_o a_o great_a temporal_a prince_n the_o influence_n of_o his_o authority_n and_o example_n will_v probable_o have_v make_v more_o hypocrite_n and_o servile_a convert_v but_o not_o have_v persuade_v man_n one_o jot_n more_o to_o be_v inward_o holy_a and_o good_a the_o great_a argument_n that_o must_v do_v that_o must_v not_o be_v fetch_v from_o the_o pomp_n and_o prosperity_n of_o this_o world_n but_o from_o the_o great_a and_o eternal_a recompense_n of_o the_o other_o and_o it_o be_v very_o well_o worth_a our_o observation_n that_o nothing_o puzzle_v cesar_n vaninus_n who_o be_v perhaps_o the_o first_o and_o the_o only_a martyr_n for_o atheism_n that_o ever_o be_v i_o say_v nothing_o puzzle_v he_o more_o than_o that_o he_o can_v not_o from_o the_o history_n of_o our_o saviour_n life_n and_o action_n write_v by_o the_o evangelist_n with_o so_o native_a a_o simplicity_n fasten_v upon_o he_o any_o probable_a imputation_n of_o a_o secular_a interest_n and_o design_n in_o any_o thing_n that_o he_o say_v or_o do_v no_o doubt_n but_o vaninus_n before_o he_o make_v this_o acknowledgement_n have_v search_v very_o narrow_o into_o this_o matter_n and_o can_v he_o have_v find_v any_o colour_n for_o such_o a_o imputation_n he_o will_v have_v think_v it_o sufficient_a to_o have_v blast_v both_o he_o and_o his_o religion_n you_o may_v be_v please_v to_o consider_v further_o that_o it_o be_v the_o opinion_n of_o the_o wise_a jew_n that_o the_o best_a man_n the_o child_n of_o god_n who_o call_v god_n their_o father_n be_v many_o time_n expose_v to_o the_o great_a suffering_n and_o reproach_n for_o the_o trial_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o meekness_n and_o patience_n as_o we_o may_v see_v at_o large_a in_o the_o wisdom_n of_o solomon_n where_o speak_v of_o the_o malice_n and_o enmity_n of_o the_o wicked_a to_o one_o that_o be_v eminent_o righteous_a he_o bring_v they_o in_o say_v after_o this_o manner_n 20._o let_v we_o lie_v in_o wait_n for_o the_o righteous_a because_o he_o be_v not_o for_o our_o turn_n he_o be_v clean_o contrary_a to_o our_o do_n he_o upbraid_v we_o with_o our_o offend_v the_o law_n and_o object_v to_o our_o infamy_n the_o transgression_n of_o our_o youth_n he_o profess_v to_o have_v the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o he_o call_v himself_o the_o child_n of_o the_o lord_n he_o be_v grievous_a unto_o we_o even_o to_o behold_v for_o his_o life_n be_v not_o like_o other_o man_n his_o way_n be_v of_o another_o fashion_n we_o be_v esteem_v of_o he_o as_o counterfeit_v he_o abstain_v from_o our_o way_n as_o from_o filthiness_n he_o pronounce_v the_o end_n of_o the_o just_a to_o be_v bless_v and_o make_v his_o boast_n that_o god_n be_v his_o father_n let_v we_o see_v if_o his_o word_n be_v true_a and_o what_o shall_v happen_v in_o the_o end_n of_o he_o for_o if_o the_o just_a man_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n he_o will_v help_v he_o and_o deliver_v he_o from_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o enemy_n let_v we_o examine_v he_o with_o despitefulness_n and_o torture_n that_o we_o may_v know_v his_o meekness_n and_o prove_v his_o patience_n let_v we_o condemn_v he_o to_o a_o shameful_a death_n etc._n etc._n this_o be_v so_o exact_a a_o character_n of_o our_o b._n saviour_n both_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o holiness_n and_o innocency_n of_o his_o life_n and_o of_o the_o reproach_n and_o suffering_n which_o he_o meet_v with_o from_o the_o wicked_a and_o malicious_a jew_n who_o persecute_v he_o all_o his_o life_n and_o at_o last_o conspire_v his_o death_n that_o whoever_o read_v this_o passage_n can_v hardly_o forbear_v to_o think_v it_o a_o prophetical_a description_n of_o the_o innocency_n and_o suffering_n of_o the_o b._n jesus_n for_o he_o certain_o in_o the_o most_o eminent_a manner_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v call_v by_o the_o evangelist_n the_o only_o beget_v of_o the_o father_n or_o if_o this_o be_v not_o a_o prediction_n concern_v our_o b._n saviour_n yet_o thus_o much_o at_o least_o may_v be_v conclude_v from_o it_o that_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o wise_a among_o the_o jew_n it_o be_v not_o unworthy_a of_o the_o goodness_n and_o wisdom_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n to_o permit_v the_o best_a man_n to_o be_v so_o ill_o treat_v by_o wicked_a man_n and_o further_o that_o in_o their_o judgement_n the_o innocency_n and_o virtue_n of_o a_o eminent_o righteous_a man_n be_v then_o set_v off_o to_o the_o best_a advantage_n and_o do_v shine_v forth_o with_o the_o great_a lustre_n when_o he_o be_v under_o the_o hard_a circumstance_n of_o suffering_n and_o persecution_n from_o a_o evil_a world_n add_v to_o this_o likewise_o that_o the_o best_a and_o wise_a of_o the_o heathen_a philosopher_n do_v frequent_o inculcate_v such_o doctrine_n as_o these_o that_o worldly_a greatness_n and_o power_n be_v not_o to_o be_v admire_v but_o rather_o to_o be_v despise_v by_o a_o wise_a man_n that_o man_n may_v be_v very_o good_a and_o dear_a to_o the_o god_n and_o yet_o liable_a to_o the_o great_a misery_n and_o suffering_n in_o this_o world_n that_o whoever_o suffer_v unjust_o and_o bear_v it_o patient_o give_v the_o great_a testimony_n to_o goodness_n and_o do_v most_o effectual_o recommend_v piety_n and_o virtue_n as_o thing_n of_o great_a value_n than_o the_o ease_n and_o pleasure_n of_o this_o present_a life_n nay_o further_o that_o a_o good_a man_n cast_v into_o the_o hard_a circumstance_n of_o poverty_n and_o misery_n of_o reproach_n and_o suffering_n be_v the_o fit_a person_n of_o all_o other_o to_o be_v the_o minister_n and_o apostle_n and_o